Hanging at the 17th: Famous Buick Open hole makes for wild times

Ryan Garza | The Flint JournalEarl Munroe, of Central Lake, lays down outside of the ropes along the 17th green while watching one of the last groups of golfers pass by for the day with his wife Myra, on Thursday during the first day of the 2009 Buick Open at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc. "Don't know what we're going to do next year. Thinking about following the PGA championship two weeks later and making it a bigger event, " said Monroe, who has made the Buick Open their anniversary spot for 23 years. "I'm disappointed that the streak is going to have to come to an end."

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan — Legions of fans armed with lawn chairs, drinks and gear proclaiming "I survived the 17th Hole" are determined to have a good time at the Buick Open — no matter what happens in 2010.

"It's going to get pretty crazy," said Aaron Newell, 19, of Lewiston, a three-year veteran of the 17th while taking in the first round of tournament play Thursday. "Especially since Tiger's going to be here. I can't imagine what it's going to be like."

The hole is arguably one of the most famous on the PGA Tour and is definitely the loudest at the Buick Open. Fans here are known for cheers, organized chants and the wave.

Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club General Manager Rich Fairman said the 17th is the course's signature hole for professionals, amateurs and fans: Golfers need to shoot over a pond, the hole has a natural amphitheater feel and tall trees give fans shade. The hole's reputation dates to Warwick's early years, and he has seen archived pictures of people with coolers and kegs along the 17th.

"It just kind of evolved over time," he said.

Earl and Myra Munroe of Central Lake have been part of the tradition for the past 23 years. They remember the early days of being able to bring their coolers and sit near the pond to watch the tournament, but they now they sit in the "alumni section" -- the collection of lawn chairs beside the seating areas on the 17th.

"We make quite of an event of it," Earl Munroe said.

His favorite 17th hole memory is from 15 years ago when they sat next to a couple of young guys on a Sunday, he said. Near the end of the day, he noticed their large stack of empty beer cups and the beginning of a stunt from one of the guys.

"The next thing I knew, I had his clothes and shoes next to me and he had one leg over the rope," he said.

The guy took off toward the pond but hadn't noticed the sand trap just before it and tumbled in, Munroe said. Then security personnel tackled him just before he could reach the pond.

There is a happy ending to the story. The alumni section took up a collection for the streaker's bail money, he said.

"I still have his shoe in my garage at my house," Munroe said.

Many fans expect the crowd to get even more energized as the weekend continues. The boss of the beer wagon on the 17th green for the past four years, Bill Bassett, said the excitement is greater this year because Tiger Woods is playing the Open.

"His following is out of this world," Bassett said.

However, the fun stops when things go too far. Tim Eldred, 39, of Edmore remembers a now-infamous incident a couple of years ago when a fan threw an apple on the green.

"While we have fun on the 17th, it's still about golf etiquette," he said. "You can have fun without being rude."

Tournament Director Robb Grainger said organizers aim to embrace the 17th without allowing it to ruin the fun for others.

"It's a special atmosphere out there, and it does make our tournament different," he said.

This year, the Open brought new fixtures to the 17th, in addition to a large concession area complete with beer, wine and the Grey Goose Lounge. This year, the LaCrosse Landing brings new stadium seating, photo opportunities and swing analysis for fans.

Grainger said the hope is to get fans to interact with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, while enjoying the tournament.

"It's easy to just promote a product," he said. "It's different to try to intertwine it with viewing the golf."

Still, the fans hope for future years at the 17th.

"We hope the PGA stays true to Michigan," said Myra Munroe, who wants to sit in the alumni section for a 24th year.